header-ads

API 651: General Information and Qualification Requirements

API 651: General Information and Qualification Requirements

API 651 is the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard for the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of aboveground atmospheric storage tanks used in the oil and gas industry. It provides guidelines for maintaining the integrity and reliability of these tanks, which are critical to the safe and efficient operation of petroleum facilities.



Download API 651 Study Material



General Information

API 651 covers tanks that are built to API 650 and API 12C standards, as well as those that were constructed before the existence of these standards. It applies to tanks that are used for the storage of petroleum products, including crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel.

The standard covers all aspects of tank maintenance, including inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating. It also includes requirements for corrosion control, leak detection, and emergency venting. API 651 is intended to be used in conjunction with API 650, API 653, and API 575.

Qualification Requirements

API 651 requires that all personnel involved in the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of tanks be qualified. This includes inspectors, repair personnel, and engineers. The standard specifies the minimum qualifications required for each of these positions, and it is the responsibility of the tank owner to ensure that personnel meet these qualifications.

Inspectors must be certified by API in accordance with API 653. Repair personnel must be qualified in accordance with API RP 652 and API RP 934-A. Engineers must be licensed by the appropriate state or national licensing body and must have experience in the design, construction, and maintenance of storage tanks.

API 651 also requires that all inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating activities be performed in accordance with the standard's requirements. This includes the use of qualified personnel, the use of API-approved procedures, and the use of API-approved materials. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, including fines and suspension of operation.

Conclusion

API 651 is an important standard for the oil and gas industry, providing guidelines for the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of aboveground atmospheric storage tanks. Compliance with the standard helps to ensure the integrity and reliability of these tanks, which are critical to the safe and efficient operation of petroleum facilities.

Post a Comment

0 Comments